Study Abroad Peer Mentors

Elise Bollard: Graduate Student - Physical Therapy (Exercise Science) (Minor in Psychology)
Elise studied abroad in Rome during the fall 2022 semester through Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center program. While abroad, she lived in dorm style housing on the Rome campus. She traveled to 11 countries and 21 different cities throughout Europe during her time abroad. Her favorite trips were Ireland and a solo trip in Paris! She is studying exercise science in the physical therapy program with a minor in psychology. Elise is excited to answer any questions about the visa process, studying abroad as a physical therapy student, language barriers, or the John Felice Rome Center! 

Ways to Contact Elise
Email: elise.bollard@slu.edu
Text/WhatsApp: (224)330-0566
Instagram: elise.bollard



Allie Mattson: Senior - Health Science (Pre-PA)
Allie studied abroad in the Gold Coast, Australia during the 2024 spring semester at Bond University. While abroad, she lived in dorm style housing on Bond's campus and traveled primarily around Queensland and New South Wales. Her favorite trips were to Fraser Island, North Stradbroke Island, and Byron Bay.  She is studying health science with a minor in nutrition and dietetics. Allie is excited to answer any questions you may have about the visa process, studying abroad as a STEM student, Australian culture, and any other questions you may have! 

Ways to Contact Allie 
Email: alexandra.mattson@slu.edu
Whatsapp: 224-716-8919
Instagram: alliemattson_



Mia Olson: Senior – Medical Laboratory Science & French 

Mia studied abroad in Lyon, France during the spring of 2024. She experienced a full language immersion program, having attended a French university for language classes and lived in an apartment with a host family (with two kids, ages 6&10). She spent most of her time exploring France, focusing her travels primarily on French culture, though she also visited Spain, Switzerland, and Italy. She would love to talk to you about attending a foreign school, language immersion, living with a host family, emotional aspects of abroad, or of course, Lyon and travel within France. You can reach out to her with any questions, related to these topics or not; no question is too silly or trivial!

Ways to contact Mia:
Email: mia.olson@slu.edu



Stephanie Tett: Senior – Psychology (Minor in Chinese Language)
Stephanie studied abroad in Beijing during the Spring 2024 semester through The Beijing Center (TBC) program at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China. While abroad I lived in dorm style housing with one roommate and a private western-style bathroom. I traveled to 7 cities in 7 provinces as well as Seoul and Tokyo, both solo and with friends I made abroad. Additionally, I visited 8 cities and 2 rural villages in 4 provinces through excursion trips put on by my program (at no personal travel cost!). TBC also helped me file for a new visa to facilitate travel outside of Mainland China during my semester. I was also able to work in an unofficial paid internship during my semester. I can answer any questions about the visa process, language barriers, what classes are like, and anything else about China and the region!

Ways to Contact Stephanie:
Email: stephanie.tett@slu.edu
Text/Whatsapp: (918) 644-8182
Wechat: sifen5965
Instagram: tett._.stephanie



Jack Parrack: Senior - Computer Engineering
Jack studied abroad in Seoul during the Spring 2024 semester through Sogang University's exchange student program. He lived in a shared dorm room with a roommate on Sogang's campus. He traveled through most of Korea while he was there, but did not visit any other countries in the area. Jack is happy to answer any questions about going abroad, Korea, studying language, or anything else!

Ways to Contact Jack:
Email: jparrack@slu.edu



Ruhi Advani: Senior - Occupational Therapy (Minor in Interprofessional Practice)
Ruhi (she/her) studied at Sant'Anna Institute during the spring of her sophomore year in 2024. She lived in an apartment building with three girls from different universities in the United States and they became so close! In a town full of mountain and sea views, something she loved most was her 20 minute walk to school and all of the cafes she got to try on her way. Ruhi took a cross-cultural psychology course in addition to philosophy and drawing, where she traveled through Naples with her classmates and made artwork inspired by local scenery. Though she had never spoken Italian before traveling abroad, she took a language introduction class while there and learned a lot along the way. She hopes to be there for anyone looking to study abroad, even if they're on the fence about it or don't know where to start! Anything she can do to help, whether that be tricky visa applications or answering small questions/worries that you might be unsure of who to ask, she'd love to do so please reach out! 

Ways to contact Ruhi:
Email: ruhi.advani@slu.edu
Text/Whatsapp: (708) 657-0932
Instagram: ruhiskye



Will Phoenix: Senior - Computer Science and French
Will studied abroad in Lyon, France during the Spring 2024 semester at Universite Lumiere Lyon 2. He lived with 5 roommates in a home, and enjoyed being able to speak French at home with his roommates, as well as in the classroom. During the semester, he played for Lyon's university water polo team, and was able to travel for competition during the semester. Will visited several cities while in France, and his favorite was Chamonix in the Alps. Will would love to answer any questions about visa applications, speaking a second language in the home, traveling, and being involved in clubs while abroad. 

Ways to Contact Will:
Email: will.phoenix@slu.edu
Instagram: will.phoenix3



Nina Zumwalt: Senior - Finance
Nina studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy during the Spring 2024 semester. She stayed in the Marina Grande dorms with a view over the Mediterranean Sea and Sorrento's City Center. One of her favorite parts of living in Sorrento was its small town aspect and learning all about the language and culture. She traveled all around Italy and visited 9 other countries during her time abroad. Some of her favorite places were Sorrento, Prague, Budapest, Lac d'Annecy, Palermo, Capri, and pretty much every other place she traveled to. She took a solo trip to Rome and Milan and had some experiences of her own, but also made friendships that will last a lifetime. Going in to is, she knew nobody else, but found that to be one of the most beautiful parts of her experience. She would absolutely LOVE to talk more about her experiences abroad and help anyone going through the application process. 

Ways to Contact Nina:
Email: nina.zumwalt@slu.edu
Text/Whatsapp: (314) 267-1360



Emma George: Senior - Physical Therapy (Minor in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness)
Emma studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, during the Fall 2024 semester at the University of Galway. While abroad, Emma lived in an apartment-style dorm on campus with five other roommates from other countries studying abroad, but had her own bedroom as well as a bathroom! Emma was involved in multiple clubs at the school, allowing her to connect with Irish and international students. She was able to travel to 7 different countries as well as many different cities within Ireland. One lesson Emma learned was to be well prepared for the wind and rain. Her favorite places to travel outside of Ireland were Edinburgh and Amsterdam. Emma would be glad to answer any questions about travel from Ireland, Galway itself, and any other questions about studying abroad outside of Madrid!

Ways to Contact Emma:
Email: emma.george@slu.edu



Charlene Hamilton: Senior - International Business (Minor in Marketing)
Charlene studied abroad in the Fall 2024 semester at Fordham in London. Charlene loved her time abroad and some of her favorite experiences include visiting France, attending the British fashion awards, and experiencing all the cultures of London. Charlene would be happy to share about her experience abroad or answer any questions that prospective study abroad students may have!

Ways to Contact Charlene:
Email: charlene.hamilton@slu.edu



Alexis Sheldon: Junior - Communications 
Alexis studied abroad in Australia during the 2025 spring semester her sophomore year. Through Bond University, Alexis was able to have an on campus accommodation in a dorm style building. Located on the Australian Gold Coast, there were numerous access points to beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and theme parks. She also had the chance to travel to Brisbane and Sydney while abroad. She is studying communications with a minor in marketing and studio art. Alexis welcomes any and all questions about studying abroad and/or Australia. 

Ways to Contact Alexis:
Email: alexis.sheldon@slu.edu



Caroline Black: Senior - Psychology and Communications
Caroline studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy at Sant’Anna Institute during the Fall 2024 semester. While abroad she lived in dorm style housing on Sant’Anna Institute’s main campus. She traveled to many different cities throughout Italy and visited three other countries. She loved her trips to the Dolomites and Scotland the most. Caroline is double majoring in Psychology and Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Media Studies. She is eager to answer any questions about the study abroad process and help make the study abroad experience as seamless as possible! 

Ways to Contact Caroline:
Email: caroline.black@slu.edu
Text/WhatsApp: 314-825-7444
Instagram: carolinee.black



Jules Garner: Junior - Neuroscience
Jules (she/they) is a neuroscience student who studied abroad in Gold Coast, Australia during the spring semester of 2025. While abroad, they lived in the on-campus dorms where they made many friends. One of their favorite things about Australia was the beauty and diversity of the nature. She travelled frequently between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, exploring many of the popular natural landmarks such as Mount Coot-tha, Springbrook National Park, and the Glasshouse Mountains. She also got to spend a week in Melbourne at the end of her semester. She plans to attend graduate school in Australia. Jules would love to answer any questions about the application process, finances abroad, transit in Australia, and give recommendations for places to visit!

Ways to Contact Jules:
Email: jules.garner@slu.edu
Instagram: itz.mejules



Samantha Aingell: Senior - Marketing (Minor in French)

Samantha studied abroad in Lyon, France during the spring 2025 semester through Oregon State’s IE3 program. In France she attended French language immersion classes at the Université Lyon 2, and stayed with a French host family. This complete language immersion allowed her to drastically improve her French and truly experience the culture of the country. While abroad, Samantha was also able to travel to different regions in France and visit four other countries. She was awarded a Gilman Scholarship to help finance her time abroad and would love to answer any questions related to that. Please feel free to reach out with any questions related to France, living with a host family, language immersion, the visa process, recommendations for Lyon or anything else that may come up! 

Ways to Contact Samantha:
Email: samantha.aingell@slu.edu
Instagram: saaingell

Olivia Neunaber: Senior - Finance

Olivia studied in Sorrento, Italy during her Junior year for the Spring 2025 semester at Sant’Anna Institute. She lived in the student dorms that are right on Marina Grande and in the same building as all the classrooms. She really enjoyed studying in Sorrento because it was a smaller town, and the students were able to experience the town together. She loved that it offered both mountains and sea as well. While abroad she was able to explore a lot of Italy and 7 other countries including Portugal, Croatia, The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary. Going into the program she didn’t know anyone but came out with amazing friendships. She hopes to help any students that are interested in Sant’Anna with anything they need from choosing housing, the visa process, packing list, or anything else so please reach out! 

Ways to Contact Olivia:
Email: olivia.neunaber@slu.edu
Text/WhatsApp: 314-665-6581

Madi Washington: Senior - Political Science

Madi studied abroad in the fall of 2024 at Fordham University London in their Liberal Arts College. She was able to travel while abroad including going to Paris and other neighboring cities during her time in London. She would love to answer any questions you may have about London or studying abroad! She is looking forward to connecting with you!

Ways to Contact Madi:
Email: madi.washington@slu.edu
Text/WhatsApp: 314-600-8942
 

Laci Blank: Senior - Accounting

Laci studied abroad in Gold Coast, Australia, during the Spring 2025 semester at Bond University. While abroad, she lived in dorm-style housing on Bond’s campus. She primarily traveled throughout Queensland, and some in New South Wales. Her favorite trips were to Brisbane and Sydney. Laci is excited to answer any questions about Bond University, local places to visit, Australian culture, and any other abroad-related questions you may have!

Ways to Contact Laci:
Email: laci.blank@slu.edu
Text/WhatsApp: 314-520-3858

Rowan Hayes: Junior - English and Psychology (Minor in Art History)

In the spring semester of 2025, Rowan studied in Rome through Loyola Chicago's John Felice Rome Center campus. She chose to study in Rome because of her minor and the opportunity to take on-site art history courses all around the eternal city. Learning about countless works of art by seeing them in person (sometimes even in their original locations!) was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gave her a much deeper appreciation for the subject. Some of Rowan's favorite trips were to Copenhagen, Paris (including Giverny, Claude Monet's estate), various parts of Switzerland, Nice, and the Amalfi coast. She is well-versed in obtaining an Italian visa (I actually paid a visit to the Chicago consulate in person), and is more than happy to answer any questions regarding the process, studying in/traveling throughout Italy, on-site classes, and the overall abroad experience! 

Ways to Contact Rowan:

Email: rowan.hayes@slu.edu
Text/Whatsapp: (317) 746-0165
Instagram: rowanhayess

Claire Skelly: Junior - Forensic Science (CSI) and Criminology & Criminal Justice (Minor in Asian Studies)

In Spring 2025, Claire studied in Seoul, South Korea at Sogang University. She lived in an on-campus shared dorm. This allowed her to be close to restaurants, friends, and classes. She took Korean language, Korean culture, and finished her psychology credits. Learning basic Korean allowed her to engage more meaningfully with locals and understand written materials in daily life. She traveled with friends to Macau, Hong Kong, and Japan twice. Claire is always available to help with visa, traveling, finances, or if you need any recommendations!

Ways to Contact Claire:

Email: claire.skelly@slu.edu
Text/Whatsapp: 708-937-8302
Instagram: babybearblues

 

Meaghan McGee: Graduate Student - Physical Therapy (Exercise Science) (Minor in Special Education)
Meaghan (she/her) is a student in the PT program who studied abroad in Galway, Ireland for one semester. While in Galway she lived in an apartment in the city center with other SLU students. One of her favorite things about Galway was how easy it was to explore the city on foot, and she would love to share her favorite Galway spots! In her free time, she explored Ireland and traveled to 8 other countries. Meaghan would love to talk about the classes she took and the registration process, finances abroad, and transportation in Ireland, and any other questions you may have about your study abroad experience!

Ways to Contact Meaghan
Email: meaghan.mcgee@slu.edu